Practical necessities can often become mainstream trends. We have seen this in the elevation of peasant cooking in fine dining restaurants, ripped jeans on couture runways, and, last but not least, countless trends in the jewelry industry. These designs have fascinating origins. Here my 3 favorite jewelry trends born out of necessity that have come into their own. Enjoy!
#1 Jewelry Trend: Diamond Ring GuardsThe ring guard was originally designed to protect important ring settings. It would be worn in the same metal as the main ring with coordinating details. The ring guard would protect the main ring from bumps and bangs.However, ring guards have become a popular choice for wedding bands, anniversary bands, ring make-overs, and achieving a stackable wedding band look. Likewise, a ring guard can be ordered in a variety of metals adding a mixed metal look to a ring set. Contrasting details are also an acceptable trend, bringing complexity to the set.
#2 Jewelry Trend: Cluster Diamond RingsThroughout the history of jewelry, diamond solitaires have always been a one of the most popular engagement ring settings. However, during a struggling economy, many decades ago, shoppers turned to jewelry designers for an affordable alternative. The answer, cluster diamond rings! Jabel designers engineered a domed setting with diamonds of various carat sizes. The result is a setting that allows in more light giving the ring a brilliant glow.Today, diamond cluster jewelry has become a sought after trends and is no longer considered just an affordable alternative to the classic solitaire it was born from. The trend has become so popular that in addition to cluster diamond rings, we now also have diamond cluster earrings, pendants, and bracelets.
#3 Jewelry Trend: Mixed Metal Rings
While white gold and platinum have seen a surge in popularity with bridal over the past couple decades the industry was once dominated by yellow gold. The problem that arose during this time period was the diamond would reflect the color of the metal. This was a significant problem because a clean diamond color, without any yellow, is an expensive and desirable trait and would be negated by the metal reflection. The answer was to select a white gold head for the diamond, giving the set a mixed metal look.Years later, this has blossomed into a wonderful array of mixed metal rings and two-tone jewelry. From vintage engagement rings to classic engagement rings, and even the classic solitaire, have become a blank canvas for brilliant jewelry designs. Here are a few designs I LOVE!
Mixed Metal Engagement Ring Settings #1: Classic Solitaire
This classic solitaire is shown as an example of rose gold engagement rings. The 14KT pink gold mounting and 18KT white gold setting is both bold and classic, feminine and understated.
Mixed Metal Engagement Ring Settings #2: Unique Engagement Rings
This unique engagement ring is shown with an 18KT white gold full bezel setting and 14KT rose gold split shank featuring recessed common prong diamonds.
Mixed Metal Engagement Ring Settings #3: Vintage Engagement Rings
While this may not be an authentic example of antique engagement rings, this new setting has all the charm with out the wear and tear. These lovely 18KT yellow gold ring settings contrasts beautifully with their 18KT white gold illusion heads.
Mixed Metal Engagement Ring Settings #4: Classic Engagement Rings
Classic engagement ring settings, like this one, look crisp and defined with a strong 18KT white gold head against its rich 18KT yellow gold mounting.
Mixed Metal Engagement Ring Setting #5: Vintage Engagement Rings
This reproduction ring is made from authentic vintage dies; all the pluses of a new setting without the woes of used jewelry! This 14KT rose gold engagement ring is set with an 18KT white illusion diamond setting.
Mixed Metal Ring Settings #6: Pink and Green Gold Rings
Vintage engagement rings like these pink and green gold rings have seen a surge in popularity. In addition to a popular choice for lovers of rose gold engagement rings, these floral garland bands come to life with die struck rose gold flowers and green gold leafs. To add extra dimension, hand engravers define the details of the motif with stippling.
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